ROSS SMITH revealed he was rushed to hospital just days before surviving a huge World Grand Prix scare.
The world No14 admitted it had been a “nightmare of a week” after battling illness ahead of his first-round clash with Ayrshire’s Cameron Menzies.
Smith, 37, battled through to edge past Menzies 2-1 in Leicester after surviving TWO match while 1-0 down.
The Dover thrower produced a brilliant 99.54 average to keep his bid for back-to-back major titles alive.
admits he was unsure whether he would even be fit enough to compete at the Mattioli Arena.
He said: “It’s been a nightmare of a week to be fair.
“I haven’t picked a dart up since I won [the World Series Finals].
“I haven’t been well at all. Ended up in hospital on Friday.
“So, didn’t think I was going to be making it in the Grand Prix.
“I thought I was going to pull out on Saturday night.
“But I am lucky to be here and sort of getting back to full health.”
Smith has now extended his stunning run of form after lifting the biggest title of his career in Amsterdam earlier this month.
The Dover thrower to claim his second PDC Premier event crown.
It ended a FOUR-YEAR wait for another big televised triumph, with Smith’s previous major success coming at the 2022 European Championship.
Smith will now bid to reach the on his sixth consecutive appearance, with either Price or Krzysztof Ratajski awaiting in the second round.
